Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who joined Sheffield United on loan in January in a bid to revive his career, is currently on a new record low.
Kalvin Phillips is sent off during Sheffield United vs. Sheffield Wednesday (Image: Sky Sports)
Kalvin Phillips tearfully apologized to Sheffield United fans for his red card in Sunday afternoon’s Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Blades continued their 2-0 run against their arch-rivals until 30-year-old Phillips was sent off in the 49th minute for an appalling tackle on Svante Ingelsson on Wednesday.
Phillips, who joined the Blades on loan from Manchester City in the January transfer window, lunged forward to steal the ball and ran after it, catching Ingelson’s left knee with his studs.
Referee Josh Smith took a moment to make his decision and pulled a red card from his pocket. Phillips looked disappointed and couldn’t believe he was sent off.
As Wednesday’s players surrounded Ingelson and the referee, Phillips looked straight at the fourth official and then uttered the words, “Why red?”
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But then it didn’t take long for Phillips to apologize to the Blades supporters for his tackle and receiving a red card, with his hands up and tears in his eyes as he left the pitch.
Phillips’ sacking came as Sheffield United went into cruise control thanks to first-half goals from Patrick Bamford and Harrison Burrows. But Wednesday gave them hope after Phillips’ red card.
In fact, just three minutes after Phillips was given his marching orders, Charlie McNeill halved the deficit to calm the home support inside Bramall Lane. However, as the second half progressed, the Blades managed to regain control.
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Chris Wilder made three changes and that helped settle the game, although there were few clear-cut chances on Wednesday after former Manchester United forward McNeil made it 2-1.
If Wednesday loses the game, they will make history by becoming the first team to be relegated in February. Wednesday, who took office in October, was deducted 12 points.
They were also handed a further six-point penalty for breaching the EFL’s financial regulations, meaning they will now go into Sunday’s derby with Sheffield United with a seven-point deficit.
Phillips is currently serving a three-match ban and will miss upcoming Championship matches against Coventry City, QPR and West Brom.
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